Description
UTAC | Millbrook, Bedford
Viewing: Tues 24th June from 12pm
Auction: Wed 25th June from 9am
Location: Millbrook Proving Ground, Station Lane, Bedford MK45 2JQ
1961 Jaguar E-Type 3. 8 Coupe
Estimate
£75, 000 - £85, 000
Registration No: 398 YUC
Chassis No: 885300
MOT: June 2026
Finished in its original shade of Opalescent Silver Blue
An early flat floor coupe example
Subject to much expense in current ownership
JDHT Certificate plus a large collection of invoices
Despatched on the 28th December 1961 to Jaguar cars, New York
One of the great motoring icons of the last century, Jaguar’s E-Type is a car that has always inspired loyalty and devotion. Faster and more glamorous than virtually all its production rivals, it put many so-called ‘sportscars’ to shame at its 1961 Geneva Motorshow launch. Few could live with its reputed 150mph top speed or acceleration that allowed it to touch 60mph in under 7 seconds. In an age when a decent family saloon could call upon its engine for 65bhp, the E-Type’s 3781cc, DOHC, straight six claimed an additional 200bhp. While Ferrari`s lauded 250GT SWB and 250 GTO made do with live rear axles, the E-type utilised a sophisticated independent rear set-up with inboard rear disc brakes. Rack and pinion steering enabled the driver to make the most of the monocoque chassis’ excellent road holding and handling. Initially, Jaguar never expected the design to be so enduring and consequently there were design features unsuited to volume production. Thus the first 500 E-Types off the production line featured outside bonnet locks and flat floors before these locks were deleted, whilst total flat floor production for 1961 amounted to some 1, 583 examples. It is these early cars that have become some of the most sought after amongst collectors.
As recorded on the accompanying Heritage Certificate, this Series One 3. 8 flat floor coupe, chassis 885300, was manufactured to left hand drive specification on 12 December 1961 and despatched on 28th December to the East Coast distributor Jaguar Cars, New York. Finished in Opalescent Silver Blue with red leather interior, it was subsequently sold it its first owner, a W. M Oltmer of Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, who must have cut quite a dash at the time in the stunningly shaped newcomer. Remaining in the States for the next fifty years the car was then imported to the UK around 2011 by Cleevewood Garage, Bristol. Known for their restoration work and sales of classic cars, the E-Type was restored and converted to right hand drive before being acquired by the vendor in 2016. It remains resplendent in the original shade of Opalescent Silver Blue although the interior has been retrimmed in Sky Blue. The result is a far more pleasing colour combination in our view. The often recalcitrant Moss gearbox has also been replaced with a more user-friendly 4-speed synchromesh unit which greatly enhances the driving experience. It is assumed the odometer was zeroed at the time of restoration and it currently displays some 5, 070 miles.
Since coming into the current ownership the car has mostly been serviced and maintained by The Splined Hub of Oundle, renowned specialists in the field of 1960s Jaguars. Numerous invoices are contained in the history file evidencing the not inconsiderable amounts that have been lavished on its ongoing care and upkeep. These include an engine and gearbox strip down and overhaul in 2017 carried out by sports & performance car specialists Templeton’s Garage of Rushden, Northants, together with a cylinder head refurbishment and carburettor overhaul in 2019 undertaken by The Splined Hub. In 2018 the car was fitted with a 123 electronic distributor together with replacement door locks. Although exempt, added peace of mind as to its usability comes from a fresh MOT certificate expiring on 7th June 2026. Indeed, it is said to “run very well” - as all properly maintained E-Types should! '398 YUC' now represents as a delightful example of the E-Type in perhaps its purest form, that has been subject to much expense in the current ownership. Consequently it is accompanied by a large collection of invoices and is worthy of close inspection.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
